Circular Economy

CIRCULATE – Circular Economy for small and medium-sized enterprises

As part of the ‘Sustainable at work – future-oriented training’ (NIB) program, CIRCULATE supports companies in integrating sustainable practices in the manufacturing industry through digital training and further education measures.

The project highlights innovative solutions from the circular economy, supports the development of resource-efficient and climate-friendly processes, and provides a comprehensive handbook. Training modules that have already been successfully implemented, such as training courses and tried-and-tested professional development programmes, help to drive this transformation. ​
The aim of the training measures offered is to identify ways of avoiding waste and designing resource-friendly production processes in order to save CO₂ and conserve valuable resources. Practical guidance and innovative solutions for companies are presented for this purpose. The offer is aimed at specialists within the packaging industry from the areas of sustainability management, compliance management, controlling and commercial management as well as product designers, packaging technicians, machine operators, training personnel, managers and others.

The offer at a glance:

  • Free training courses with four modules for more resource conservation in the company
  • Flexible training opportunities through modern didactic methods such as e-learning, digital learning materials and user-generated content
  • Qualification of specialists as Circular Advocates through a holistic train-the-trainer concept
  • Comprehensive digital handbook for innovative and sustainable processes in production

Planning and implementation of sustainable production processes – thinking about resource conservation!

The circular economy can best be implemented in small and medium-sized companies if a clear overview of existing processes, materials and skills is first created. On this basis, targeted further training courses can help to raise employees’ awareness of circular approaches and identify specific options for action. Circular Advocates play an important role in this by transferring knowledge to companies and supporting the transfer into everyday working life. Digital learning formats, practical modules such as Change Mindset or Lean & Green as well as accompanied in-house training courses make it easier to integrate the circular economy into existing processes step by step. It is crucial that the measures fit the size, structure and culture of the company, as this increases acceptance within the team. Clear, comprehensible decisions and clear communication help to anchor the circular economy in the company in the long term.

Changing production practices as a lever for more resource conservation

Why is all this important? The sustainable production of goods and merchandise is an important lever for establishing resource conservation within the company. However, avoiding waste and using resources sustainably within processes is crucial to saving raw materials and emissions. In addition, the regulatory framework for companies is changing and adaptation is necessary. It is worth rethinking now.

Be part of it right from the start!

You can already register now to take part in the pilot group in fall 2026.

The CIRCULATE project team

Here you can find further information on the program ‘Sustainable at work – future-oriented training’ of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

CIRCULATE is being implemented by TU Dortmund University in collaboration with BAUM and in cooperation with Fraunhofer IRB.

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